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How To Put Up A Pergola

Best Overall: Sol 72 Outdoor Verwood Vinyl Pergola

How to Build a Pergola over a Patio

Shape: Square | Frame Material: Vinyl| Coverage Area: 100 square feet

  • Medium size may not work for all yards

  • Requires additional tools for assembly

This pergola combines the easy maintenance of vinyl with the traditional look of most wood pergolas, all at a budget-friendly price. The overhead lattice is ideal for climbing plants and flowering vines, or for the addition of a canopy. Assembly is straightforward, although you will need some additional tools and help to get it finished.

At 10 feet x 10 feet, this pergola kit is just the right size for most uses, although those planning to host large gatherings may want something bigger. You can sit comfortably for dinner at an outdoor table underneath or set up a cozy conversation area around a firepit or other focal point.

Decorate Your Pergola With Shades

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Pergola Gazebos offers us a wide selection of ideas for anyone looking to protect themselves from the sun this summer. For anyone who struggles when they spend too much time outdoors, youll love adding some shade and protection.

Its a great option for anyone with kids, as youll give them an extra space to hang out during the summer break without spending a fortune. Most of these shades can be put up and down as needed, so you can also enjoy some sun from time to time.

Use To Divide Your Garden Zones

Zone your lawn from your patio with pergola ideas

Just like garden arbor ideas, pergolas can be used to arch over an area of your plot to make it a focal point.

Here, the space between the lawn and the patio is framed by the wooden structure. This draws the eye upwards for added visual interest, whilst creating the sense of distinct garden ‘rooms’.


The two borders positioned either side enhance the divide further. Plus, the choice of evergreen shrubs will provide plenty of greenery all year round.

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Measure Your Soffits To Determine The Diy Pergola Column Centers

If pergola designs include building close to the house, first measure the projection of your eaves. Keep the center of the posts nearest the house at least 7 in. farther from the house than this measurement to accurately position the column centers near but not too close to the house. Drive remote stakes an equal distance from the house, attaching a string to help mark and align the outer post locations.

To keep the posts in alignment, stake your post locations using remote stakes with a string. With the stakes driven beyond the work area, youll be able to undo the string while you dig and then reattach it later to check for alignment. To check for left-to-right placement parallel to the house, just measure the distance from one of the remote stakes and write this measurement on a notepad. To make sure the layout is square, adjust the diagonal measurements of the postholes so theyre equal.

A Deck Pergola With Plant Hangers

The Best To Set Up You Patio Furniture

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Your pergola will feel like a whole other room in your home when you follow this DIY project from Lowes. The great thing about this project is that its really easy to customize. Youll have plenty of places to hang plants, adding some much-needed greenery to your garden.

If you add hanging planters packed with flowers, youll give this area a bright and summery feel. It will add a stylish retreat into your home, which will make you feel like youve escaped your day-to-day life for a little while.

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Tip : Check Check Triple Check

Our pergolas ship out of two main locations including Ohio and California. This helps us cover the spans of North America. They can often embark on long journeys to get to your home and sometimes look a little tired from the trip. If you notice any damage on the boxes, please go ahead and proceed with the required pre-installation inventory. If anything is missing or less than perfect let us know right away so we can remedy the issue! Our contact number is 1-800-282-9346

Attach The Columns To The Posts

Now slip each column over its post. Strap a level near the base of each column and screw into the wood beneath. Predrill and countersink eight screw holes in the sides of the columns: four 6 in. from the bottom and four 30 in. from the bottom. Use 3-in. No. 12 exterior wood screws to anchor the columns to the wood posts. Plumb the column as you screw it to the post. Youll notice some play between the post and column. Opposing screws will tighten the entire assembly.


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Benefits Of Installing Pergola Footings With The Deck Foot Anchor

Pergolas require a minimum of three and usually four or more footings. Digging three or four holes will take you at least two or three hours depending on the soil type.

digging and back-filling

If you choose set posts directly into the ground and just back-fill the post into the hole, you must ensure the post is treated specifically for ground contact. And even then, you should expect the pergola posts will never last as long as those secured above the grade by metal post anchoring hardware.

digging, mixing & pouring cement

If you choose to use cement footings you will have to dig holes large enough to accommodate the diameter of the pier or the footing as well which can be significantly larger than the pier.

Then the next big step will be to mix and pour all the cement and then let it set for a day or two. Some post anchoring hardware will have to be set into the wet cement accurately. If done right, you should have very strong and stable pergola footings.


or IF YOU WANT TO BUILD YOUR PERGOLA WITH … LESS TIME, LESS LABOR, LESS MONEY, LESS MESS

If you decide to use the Deck Foot Anchor to support your pergola, you can usually have four footings installed in thirty to forty minutes and begin building right away. You will avoid the cost of cement and separate hardware. The only hardware required is the Deck Foot Anchor. And of course you will avoid the labor and time required for digging.

Mix Warm Tones Together

Quickrete Walkmaker Patio – Putting up pergola posts

Pergola ideas look fabulous when combined with a brightly-colored wall, as shown in this scene by John Lewis

To transport your patio space to sunnier climes, consider painting a statement wall in a terracotta hue. A wooden slatted pergola will complement the tone, and will also provide a structure for hanging pendants, as demonstrated above.

Use soft textiles in warm colors to extend the theme, whilst an array of potted plants will add texture. Opting for pale hued patio paving ideas beneath will keep things feeling well-balanced and prevent the richer colors from overwhelming the space.

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Matt Leacys Top 3 Tips For Designing A Pergola

  • Get the aspect right. Facing north is good because it will provide shade in the summer and allow the warm sunlight through during winter.
  • Use quality materials. A chunky hardwood that can be left to weather and go a little rustic. This will not only look good, but it will also save you time and money on maintenance.
  • Detail trims. If you have a contemporary space, stay away from doing too many details in the timber or swirling corner braces. Keep the cuts square or add a simple angle cut, but nothing more.
  • Go Build Your Pergola The Easy Way

    Forget digging pergola footings and use the as a solid alternative to common residential backyard pergolas.

    This pergola is a bit of a twist on the traditional style you are used to seeing. It incorporates the horizontal linear look of so many of Franklin Lloyd Wright’s timeless designs.

    And yet it retains the common elements of most traditional pergolas.

    If your soil is compatible with an auger style footing then this style of pergola footing may by perfect for your next project.

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    Attached Or Freestanding: Different Requirements For Each

    If your patio cover is attached to a house or structure, in most cases, you can often attach posts to existing concrete footings. However, if you plan to install a freestanding pergola, the code requires you to dig concrete footings to ensure stable support. You wont be able to attach your posts directly to an existing concrete slab.

    Add An Outdoor Kitchen

    " It took months, but we finally put up our single and ...

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    BBQ Coach shares a fun idea for incorporating an outdoor kitchen into your pergola. Regardless of the size of your intended outdoor kitchen, a pergola can act as good protection for your devices from the elements. This is a fantastic centerpiece for any garden, and youll love entertaining family and friends outdoors this summer.

    You can opt for a small outdoor grill or extend this to include a full kitchen setup. A dining table could also be added to the space if you have a large area in your garden for the new pergola.

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    What Makes A Good Pergola

    A good pergola design idea should be fully functional to suit your needs and lifestyle, it should be affordable, low maintenance and offer good privacy and excellent sunshade, says John Mifsud of Hipages-listed company AA1 Drafting. A specialist pergola builder will be able to advise on the best style, size and materials based on your requirements and budget.

    Preparing And Measuring Your Space

  • 1Research zoning laws in your area. States and towns have zoning laws that restrict certain kinds of construction. Call your local building commission or zoning department to make sure that you can build a pergola on your property. You can also find zoning ordinances on your local towns website.XResearch source
  • In some cases youll have to get a permit before you can start building.
  • If you’re in an urban area, you’ll have to consider the “setbacks” set by the cities.XExpert Source
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    Make The Lattice Strips

    Now cut the 3 in. wide tail tops from 5/4 decking to make parts J. Round over the cut ends with a hand plane or a router. Rout a 1/4-in. round-over on each edge to make the lattice strips. Ease the edges of the tails and the tops with 100-grit sandpaper and then apply a solid-color stain. Make sure the treated wood pieces are dry to the touch before you pre-stain them. If they feel cool, let them dry in a shady spot for two days before applying the solid-color stain. Rushing the process could cause the stain to blister or roll off.

    Tip : Time Management

    How To Install A SkyPoly Patio Cover (Easy Tutorial) | Cover Your Pergola Installation

    When embarking on the journey of installing a pergola, take time to think over what the best option is for you. Are you a certified contractor or carpenter, a DIY weekend warrior, or not too keen on using tools more powerful than an electric toothbrush? All of these are okay! You may just need to adjust your time allotment and the level of assistance required. When you find a model you are interested in, check its details page for estimated installation time. This will help you plan your install and book contractors if required.

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    Follow The Manufacturers Manual

    To install lattice on a pergola, you must follow the instructions that come with the lattice.

    Typically, the panels are lightweight and are nailed to the top and bottom pieces of the pergola. You can also use basic finish nails. Once the lattice is installed, you can plant plants in the holes.

    After you have finished installing the lattice, you can start putting it up and decorating your new-covered pergola.

    What Is The Point Of A Pergola

    A pergola is designed for three major functions:

    • Architectural appeal: Pergolas are a popular feature to showcase pergola accessories such as lighting, seating, and container plants. Pergolas can also be used as an outdoor passageway rather than a gathering spot. These structures are good for thematically linking one area of the yard to another.
    • Shade: Pergolas are designed to provide shade, especially in yards that have no natural shade from trees or other structures.
    • Shelter: While pergolas arent designed to provide complete shelter overhead like a gazebo roof, these structures are designed to provide some shelter and even privacy, especially enclosed pergolas.

    No matter what your outdoor exterior aesthetic is, there is likely a pergola design out there to match the look of your space.

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    How Much Does It Cost To Put Up A Pergola

    costpergolacoston

    Pergolas are an excellent choice to shade a backyard patio, fireplace, or fire pit. On average, adding a pergola will cost around $3,500 for a professional installation, and most spend between $2,000 and $5,000 for the project.

    Similarly, does Home Depot install pergolas? Pergola DesignsThe Home Depot installs both wood and metal pergolas, along with wood pavilions. Our local installers will handle all the project details while you enjoy the benefits of your new outdoor structure.

    Consequently, how much does it cost to build a 12×12 pergola?

    Some examples: 10 x 10 open-roof wooden pergola, $3,000-8,000. 12 x 12 solid-roof wooden pergola, $10,000-25,000+ 12 x 12 aluminum or vinyl pergola kit, installed, $6,000-8,000.

    How much does Home Depot charge to install a gazebo?

    A gazebo costs $150-$15,000 depending on the size, shape, materials used, complexity of design, and brand name. Simple canvas-roofed gazebos cost $150-$600. These can be purchased at home improvement stores such as Lowes and Home Depot and at discount department stores like Target .

    How Do You Square Up A Deck Layout

    Best Time to get your Pergola and set up for a Beautiful ...

    squaresquareHow to Square Forms for a Concrete Slab

  • Measure one side of your form and make a mark exactly 3 feet from the corner.
  • Measure the opposing side of the same corner and make a mark exactly 4 feet from the corner.
  • Measure the diagonal distance between the two marks.
  • Repeat steps 1 through 3 for each corner of your patio, until all of them are exactly square.
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    Diy Flat Pergola Roof

    I love the pergola in my backyard. I like the light that the open ceiling provides. But I dont like getting rained on when Im under it. So I found a solution that lets me have a cover from the rain and still see the sky above clear polycarbonate roofing panels. Then all I had to do was figure out how to put a roof on a flat pergola, and I was all set!

    A while ago I posted some waterproof cover ideas for pergolas because I was looking for some inspiration for covering the pergola over the grill area in my backyard.

    It isnt an area that I use that much when its raining, so you might be wondering why I need a waterproof cover for it.

    After every rain, the countertop and grill are covered with leaves and bits of flowers that have to be washed off before you can use the grill again. Which makes me not want to use the grill that much

    Plus, it would be nice not to get soaked if a downpour happens to come through right when Im cooking .

    All that to say, I finally made a decision on what roofing to put up and got it installed. And Im really happy with the way it turned out.

    What I ended up going with is the clear corrugated polycarbonate roofing panels that you can install right over the top of your existing pergolawhich is exactly what I wanted.

    Keep reading to find out how to put a roof on a pergola.

    Five Pergola Lighting Ideas To Illuminate Your Outdoor Space

    Pergolas are beautiful additions to any home. They help to create a distinguished outdoor living space that is both beautiful and dramatic. Adding lighting options to the structure enhances these effects one step further, offering both residents and guests with the perfect place to spend evenings together. Pergola lighting should be an important consideration when creating your perfect outdoor oasis. Listed below are five pergola lighting ideas to brighten up your pergola and enhance evening use of your outdoor space.

    1. Stringing Lights

    During the holidays, it is very common to string bright white lights around outdoor trees, front step railings and pretty much anywhere else. Taking this idea and stringing pretty white lights throughout the beams of a pergola creates a dreamy and cozy atmosphere. This is the perfect idea for free-standing pergolas close to electrical outlets or have built in outlets attached to the structure. Stringing lights is one of the top ways that designers add lighting to a pergola.

    2. Built-in Lights
    3. Mounted Light Fixtures
    4. Hanging Lights
    5. Up-lighting
    Several Pergola Lighting Ideas to Consider

    Retractable Solutions for Outdoor Spaces

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    Make A Statement With A Waterfall

    ‘VTB Capital Garden Spirit of Cornwall’, designed by Stuart Charles Towner with Studio Evans Lane for RHS Chelsea Flower Show 2018

    On the lookout for water feature ideas as well as pergola ideas? This set-up demonstrates how you can combine the two for a show-stopping effect.

    The waterfall design fits perfectly amongst tropical-style planting, whilst offering multi-sensory benefits to the space. It’s a lovely way to shelter laid-back seating, and looks great against sleek stone and metalwork underfoot.

    A bespoke look like this certainly isn’t for a small budget, but the striking impact it provides will make it well worth splashing the cash for. And, if all the leafy ferns and other architectural foliage have peaked your interest, our tropical garden ideas feature has plenty more looks you’ll love.


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